Talcum powder consists of talc. It is a mineral that can contain asbestos, a well-known carcinogen that can cause cancer when inhaled, according to the National Cancer Institute. Specifically, mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer that asbestos causes.
The U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) issues regulations for cosmetic product manufacturers regarding talc powder and asbestos. It recommended that all products containing talc should be free of asbestos to make products like talcum powder safe. However, products labeled as asbestos-free with talc could potentially contain trace amounts of asbestos.
Even today, products containing talcum powder are widely available in big box and drug stores across the country. If you want to completely reduce your risk of asbestos exposure, you should not use any form of talcum powder as one way to limit exposure. This includes any talcum powder labeled as asbestos-free. This is why it is very hard, if not impossible, to determine which talcum powder is safe.
Talcum Powder and Cancer
There is a link between talcum powder and cancer, according to the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. The types of cancer caused by asbestos may include:
- Mesothelioma: Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. If you or a loved one develops mesothelioma, it is possible that you suffered exposure to this mineral.
- Epithelial ovarian cancer: While talcum powder could contribute to other types of ovarian cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer may appear for people who applied the talcum powder directly to their genital area.
- Laryngeal cancer: Laryngeal cancer is more likely to occur after inhaling talcum powder, including powder that is dispersed in the air. It is unclear how much exposure and how frequently patients must be exposed before developing this type of cancer.
- Lung cancer: There are various kinds and stages of lung cancer. Some result from inhaling contaminated talcum powder.
It is possible that asbestos can cause other types of cancer. These cancers are the most frequently linked to asbestos exposure. However, asbestos is a dangerous carcinogen that should be avoided in every application.
Class Action Lawsuits
Depending on when you decide to take legal action against a talcum powder manufacturer, it is possible that you can join in on a class action lawsuit. Otherwise, you might be able to start one. A class action lawsuit brings together multiple injured parties who have suffered because of their exposure to a specific brand of talcum powder. If you have any questions about your eligibility to join a class action lawsuit, be sure to discuss this matter with your lawyer.
Talcum Powder Products
Talc was an ingredient in several home improvement and body care products for decades. Some talc products you can find on store shelves today include:
- Pure talc
- Baby powder
- Cosmetics
- Dry shampoo
- Some laundry products
This list represents just a small fraction of the products containing talcum powder that you can buy. If you have been exposed to asbestos through talc using another product, it is still possible that it was responsible for your cancer. If you have any questions about the safety of certain body care products, be sure to ask your physician about whether they would recommend that you use the products. Generally, it is a good idea to avoid talcum powder in favor of alternatives that can provide similar results without the cancer risk. Talcum powder is not safe.
Ovarian Cancer Risk
Some research suggests a link between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer, according to the Women’s Health Research Institute at Northwestern University. Since many consumers apply talcum powder to the genital area as a way to reduce moisture and discomfort, this only increases the risk of cancer. Many women around the United States apply talcum powder to their bodies every day over the course of years or decades. These women could be at the highest risk of developing epithelial ovarian cancer since their exposure was consistent and over the course of a long period of time. Even if you do not currently utilize talcum powder but did in the past, you could be at risk.
Call Us to Discuss Your Case
If you or a loved one developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos or frequent use of talcum powder, you could be entitled to compensation to cover your medical expenses and pain and suffering. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to schedule a free consultation to learn more. There are no upfront costs to you should you opt to work with us to pursue legal action.